Ringless Zero-Clearance Closure with Self-Centering Catch Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional C-rings and zero clearance closures for pressurized cavities are expensive and time-consuming to produce due to the need for tight machining tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A ring-less closure assembly using catch plates with V-grooves and undulations in the valve bore, allowing for self-adjustment and centering without precise installation, and featuring triangular gaps for easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional C-rings and zero clearance closures are used, then high load capability and zero clearance are achieved, but manufacturing cost and production time increase due to tight machining tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a closure body with undulations, catch plates with V-grooves, and a retaining cover. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with more relaxed tolerances, eliminating the need for tight overall assembly tolerances while maintaining zero clearance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch plates are designed with V-grooves that self-align with the undulations on the closure body during assembly. This self-centering mechanism eliminates the need for precise manual alignment or complex fixture systems during manufacturing, significantly reducing production time and cost while ensuring proper zero clearance engagement.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight machining tolerances are applied to C-rings and closure components, then proper fit and zero clearance are achieved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure body features circumferential undulations and the catch plates feature V-grooves with curved surfaces. These curved geometries provide self-aligning characteristics during assembly, allowing components to find their correct position through geometric guidance rather than relying on tight tolerance stacks. This dramatically improves production efficiency while maintaining proper fit.
3Reliability
If conventional C-ring closure methods are used, then zero clearance retention is achieved, but assembly complexity increases due to precise installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The catch plates with V-grooves automatically self-center and self-align with the undulations on the closure body during installation. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for skilled operators to perform precise alignment, making assembly simple and reliable while ensuring proper zero clearance retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-groove geometry in the catch plates is asymmetric relative to the undulation shapes on the closure body. This asymmetric design creates a unique mating relationship that guides the components into proper alignment during assembly, ensuring reliable engagement without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
A closure assembly including a retaining cover (112) , a first catch plate (114) sitting partially within the retaining cover, a second catch plate (116) sitting partially within the retaining cover opposite the first catch plate and spaced apart from the first catch plate, and a closure (118) pressing against the first catch plate and pressing against the second catch plate.